Common Sense says

Parents say

Kids say

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this website.

Educational Value

Kids can read news and information that piques their interest from the perspective of specially selected kid reporters. Reporters undergo a competitive application process and are therefore the cream of the crop; each piece seems to be carefully crafted. Users can browse timely political stories, find book and movie reviews, read entertainment blogs, and discover special reports on central themes such as the Olympics and Women's History Month. Would-be journalists could be inspired by viewing kid reporters in action.

Positive Messages

Everything about this site encourages kids to become involved in news and current events -- as both observers and reporters. Kids will take away the importance of learning about the world and how events near and far impact their lives. The efforts of the kid reporters who create the content on the site offer visitors inspiration for accomplishing goals and following their dreams.

Violence

Some news topics naturally have some element of violence and destruction to them (wars, natural disasters), but the stories here are handled with the audience in mind. Articles and reports tend to focus on offering ways to help and steer clear of anything overtly frightening.

Sex

Language

Consumerism

The site features the Scholastic logos, ads to subscribe to Scholastic News, and links to other Scholastic sites -- but no outside advertising.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Scholastic Kids Press Corps is a news-filled website featuring stories created by a team of kid reporters from all over the country. Kids ages 9 to 14 are encouraged to apply each year to become part of the 50-person press corps and are selected based on their reporting and writing skills. The site is the culmination of the cub reporters’ hard work and efforts. It features articles, video news reports, and blogs on a variety of topical subjects. Kids will find current news, book and movie reviews, as well as recommendations, entertainment coverage, and blogs. Special reports provide written and broadcast news pieces that are based on central themes such as Olympic coverage or Women’s History Month.

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What's it about?

Visitors to the website can click through the various sections to read news reports, browse blogs or watch videos of interviews, articles and reviews. Similar to news websites geared to adults, this site enables kids to sift through information by category and read or watch pieces that speak to them on their level. For those who are interested in pursuing writing, journalism or broadcasting, there's complete information for applying to be part of the Scholastic News Press Corps team.

Is it any good?

Scholastic is dedicated to helping children around the world read and learn, and through its Kids Press Corps, it also is finding a way to groom a new crop of young journalists. The result is a website that presents news for kids that is created by their peers. In an age when just about anyone can feel like a broadcaster by uploading a YouTube video or call themselves a journalist by writing a blog, it’s refreshing to see a website that encourages kids to learn the tools of the journalism trade. The efforts and enthusiasm of the carefully selected Press Corps converge to create an informative and entertaining news site that speaks to tweens and teens on a level they can definitely understand. Here, kids will find news that suits them, including celebrity interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses into appealing destinations, book recommendations, and blogs. For those interested in news, this is a great place to find bite-sized pieces of current topics. And for those who long for a life of journalism, they’ll soak up the tips from accomplished journalists. Best of all, they’ll find inspiration among the faces of the kid reporters who are living their dream and providing the news.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about why it’s important for kids to learn about current events around their neighborhood and the world. How do current events directly impact your life? Are there things you’ve seen recently in the news that you think about a lot or are concerned about?

Families can also talk about the difference between news and gossip. What makes something a news story? What would be considered gossip? Why does the public have so much interest in celebrities and their scandals? How do the media affect public interest in gossip?

Discuss what constitutes good journalism and what qualities make a good journalist. When it comes to reporting the news, why is objectivity important? Can you find examples of objective journalism and journalism that isn’t objective?

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.